Lise Pruitt Making Waves in Manitoba with Intense Training

The genuine smile adorning trainer Lise Pruitt's face speaks volumes, reflecting her deep passion for her craft.

Entering her fourth year as a trainer for Arnason Farms, True North Thoroughbreds, and other partners, Pruitt exudes enthusiasm. This Thursday morning, amid the barn's hustle, she radiated warmth while caring for her 21 equine charges. The chilly air couldn't dampen her spirits, especially with stable standout Melisandre close by—a Manitoba-bred champion sure to ignite any trainer's passion.

Pruitt eagerly anticipates the return of her three-year-olds this season, many of whom underwent significant development as two-year-olds. Among them, sophomores like Kontie, Yellow Birdie, and another promising offspring from champion mare Tadaa stand out, as Pruitt hopes they'll progress further this year. However, for now, Melisandre maintains her position as the frontrunner.

Despite not securing any stakes victories apart from Melisandre's triumphs in 2023, Pruitt expressed satisfaction with her overall performance. With a commendable record of 16 wins, 13 places, and 10 shows from 86 starts, accumulating $216,526 in purse earnings, she boasted an impressive 29% win rate.

For the third consecutive year, Pruitt surpassed the $200,000 milestone in purse earnings, demonstrating her consistent success. Additionally, she has proven her prowess in the Manitoba Strong program, an acknowledgement of trainers who excel with Manitoba-breds.

Beyond her accomplishments on the track, Pruitt finds excitement in the developments unfolding at the farm with Arnason's broodmare band. Recently, the full sister of Escape Clause welcomed a foal, alongside another maiden mare. With two foals already on the ground and three more mares awaiting foaling, the farm buzzes with anticipation.

With a well-rounded roster comprising experienced racehorses, promising young talents, and emerging prospects, Pruitt appears primed for yet another successful year, with more victories likely on the horizon. However, her primary focus remains on ensuring her stable star, Melisandre, is finely tuned to compete against the top contenders in her division.

Melisandre, owned by True North Thoroughbreds and Arnason Farms and bred by Cam Ziprick, Charles Fouillard, and Barry Arnason, stands as a multiple-champion Manitoba-bred. The offspring of Going Commando and High Pioneer by Pioneering boasts an impressive lifetime record of 10 wins, 5 places, and 1 show from 20 starts, accumulating earnings totalling $172,228.

In 2023, at the age of five, Melisandre delivered one of her standout performances by clinching victory in the Cool Excellence Overnight Stakes. Later in the season, she continued her winning streak with another impressive triumph in the Distaff Stakes.

"One of my cherished moments with her is during our pre-race paddock walks when she consistently pauses at the same spot near the corner to gaze at the winner's circle," remarked Pruitt. "Everyone instinctively halts behind her, knowing exactly what she's contemplating."